Chapter 11 - Burning Jealousy

Vera's POV

"What?" He asked, looking at me like I was a nuisance with one eyebrow raised.

I took quick steps and went to open the passenger’s door beside the driver and made myself comfortable without a word. He slid into the car and started the ignition without another word.

"That was so unnecessary." He said in a cool voice as he had driven outside the estate with his eyes fixed ahead on the road.

I shrugged my shoulder in an "it is what it is" way and said, "I didn't want you to leave me behind like you almost did yesterday."

He didn't say anything, he just continued driving, one hand on the steering wheel while the other rested on his lap with his fingers tapping to whatever rhythm played through his airpods.

The rest of the ride was silent. I watched the buildings blur past the window and I couldn't help stealing glances from time to time at his jaw, his fingers, anything to keep my mind off how close he'd held me that morning from time to time. He didn't even look at me once.

The rest of the ride was silent, until he stopped

He finally stopped at a gas station that at one gas station that looked like people don't come to, this place was close to school and was hidden enough.

"Like we agreed. You walk to school from here." He said, turning to look at me.

I took a deep breath and said, "Why don't you just tell your dad about this? He might provide me with a driver."

"We had a deal, Vera. So stick to it." His voice sounded firm.

“What if I told you that I don't remember the route anymore.”

“Argh! Vera, we both know that you do remember. So get going.”

"Yeah, yeah. I get it, I'm going already."

I pushed the door handle and came down from the car with a bang as I shut the door, harder than I needed to. I stared at him through the window with slight displeasure sitting on my face then turned and started walking. Thankfully, the school wasn't far from here.

I'd walked quite a distance when his car zoomed past me causing a little dust to rise in the air.

"Ohh great, what a great deal." A sarcastic smile lit up my face.

***

I walked into the big grand gate of the school. Luxurious cars entered the school, some students came down from their cars and walked around like they owned the place while others just went about their business.

I looked toward the spot where Liam had parked yesterday and found his red Mercedes already sitting there, gleaming under the morning sun.

Just as I turned to walk into the school building, I spotted him. Liam was talking to Sarah, his eyes flicking to me even as he stood there, watching me watch him.

Sarah raised her hand and wiped something off his shirt I obviously knew nothing was on, anger rushed through my veins. My chest heaved with that small action and questions rushed through my head.

‘Is she trying to stake her claim?’

‘Or are they back together?’

Liam noticed my body language, his eyes were obviously telling me to go to my class and not do anything stupid but I didn't care. I had taken two steps attempting to walk towards where those two stood until I felt a hold on my shoulder and then I heard my name being called.

"Vera."

My head turned to look at the source of the voice. It was Andrea again.

“What's it?” I asked in an unpleasant tone with slight fire still burning in my eyes.

"I just wanted to talk." His voice was quieter than usual.

"What do you want to say to me, Andrea? I don't want to hear it." I crossed my arms.

I knew I was being harsh. Some of it was anger, the way he'd left me with no real reason and some of it was jealousy watching Liam stand so close to his ex.

Jealousy? Was I actually jealous?

"I'm sorry, Vera. I just want to apologize. Talk things out." He took a small step closer with hands his hands in his pockets.

My head snapped back toward where Liam had been standing, but he was gone. I saw Sarah stomp off angrily with her friends behind her.

"I saw you looking at Liam earlier." Andrea's eyes searched my face. "Is there something going on between you two?"

My head whipped back to him.

"I don't owe you an answer." I turned to walk away.

"I saw you look at him," he said, "the way you used to look at me."

I spun back around, eyes blazing. "Shut ur damn mouth up and don't talk to me, you heartbreaker."

My voice came out hostile than I meant. I watched his face twist into something remorseful before I turned on my heel and walked away without looking back.

I walked into the hallway of the school building, a fowl look sitting on my face. Day two at Hayworth Academy, and already my whole day felt messed up.

"She walked to school today. She definitely isn't anything special to Liam."

A girl leaning against the wall said it to the girl beside her, just loud enough for me to hear as I passed, close to my classroom.

I stopped and looked at her, a scornful look on my face. I didn't need to say anything for them to scram as the look on my face said everything.

I took a deep breath before entering into my classroom.

As I walked into the classroom, the bell rang and in came a teacher. I couldn't be more than happy as I didn't want to hear any more whispers or gossip that will spoil my day further.

Ding!

Lunch bell rang. I quickly took out the plate of snacks from my bag and started munching on them fast while I took my phone out to text Liam.

[Meet me at the library in 5 minutes to keep my mouth shut.]

I had asked Ana to pack me snacks for lunch because I was going to spend lunch time with Liam in the library.

After eating enough as quick as I could, I grabbed my phone and stood up to leave but then my eyes moved to Andrea’s seat. He hadn't attended all the classes we had. I shouldn't care but I couldn't help but worry if he was okay.

I walked out of the classroom, walking down the hallway to take the stairs up to the library. Heat building from excitement rushed through my body as I took slow steps up the stairs.

I reached the front of the library, slightly breathless. I scanned the entrance but there was no Liam in sight. I was about to type a message, thumb hovering over the screen, when my phone chimed first.

I opened it.

[Come into the library, left wing.]